Nicosia, Cyprus. Diko renamed the building housing its headquarters “Spyros Kyprianou” on Thursday, describing the move as an act of historic memory and recognition of the party’s founder. The ceremony took place days before the May 24 parliamentary elections.
Ceremony and remarks by party leadership
Addressing the ceremony in the building’s lobby, Diko president Nikolas Papadopoulos called the renaming an exceptionally important moment for the party.
Papadopoulos said the party owed its historic course to Spyros Kyprianou, whom he described as the leader who took over Cyprus at a difficult time and contributed to rebuilding the Republic of Cyprus. He said Kyprianou helped take the country from the aftermath of the invasion and achieve what he called the economic miracle of the 1980s, adding that the renaming was recognition of Kyprianou’s life work.
Claims about Diko’s role in national developments
Papadopoulos said Diko helped Cyprus recover from the 1974 Turkish invasion and join the EU in 2004.
He also said Diko “saved the Republic of Cyprus from the Annan plan”, delineated Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, and brought the country out of the memorandum and bankruptcy following the recession, guiding it back to positive growth rates. “We are proud of the achievements of Diko,” Papadopoulos said.
Future priorities outlined
Papadopoulos said Diko was not a party of protest but a party of responsibility, working toward Cyprus’ prospects in employment, health, technology and innovation, natural gas, and joining the Schengen area.
He said all people were entitled to a share of Cyprus’ financial growth and that Diko would continue to strive to achieve this.
Family statement
Marcos Kyprianou, son of Spyros Kyprianou, speaking on behalf of the family, said Diko played a significant role in some of the most difficult times for Cyprus.
What do you think the renaming of Diko’s headquarters signifies for the party ahead of the May 24 elections?
